Ed Balls has spoken, finally. Trying his best not to sound sad at the IMF upgrading Britain’s economic outlook by more than any other major economy this afternoon, Balls reckons:

“With business investment still weak and the IMF forecasting that UK growth will slow down again next year, it’s clear that this is not yet a recovery that is built to last.”

Built to last, you say? That was the very phrase that sparked the infamous leaked “nightmare” emails before Christmas, when Miliband adviser Torsten Bell and loyalist Greg Beales ripped into the Shadow Chancellor:

TB: “As an example of why we’re having problems on EB messaging – this is his current three-part argument: Cost of living; Recovery built to last; Economy works for working people. Nightmare.”

Quote of the Day

Chuka Umunna on Seumas Milne re Russia:

“Have read the comments of the Leader of the Opposition’s spokesperson. Mr Milne’s comments do not represent the views of the majority of our voters, members or MPs. We’ll get abuse for saying so but where British lives have been put at risk it is important to be clear about this.”